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Editorial: Heightened Security In Van Buren Protects Judges, Citizens

Citizens doing business at the Van Buren Municipal Complex on Broadway Street will see heightened and more visible security measures.

A metal detector body scanner unit and X-ray machine are designed to make the complex safer and to ensure that no weapons or contraband are brought into the building, which houses city offices as well as the Crawford County District Courtroom. Anyone entering the complex will be screened and asked to empty his or her pockets. The new security procedures began this week.

The county paid for the metal detector body scanner unit from the circuit clerk’s fund; the cost of the X-ray machine was split between the city’s general fund and the district court allocation fund. Total cost of the equipment was $18,000.

Officials began discussing the increased security after the September 2011 shooting at the Crawford County courthouse that injured a judge’s assistant and ended with the gunman killed in a shootout with police. Although it’s been almost three years since that incident, it clearly has remained on the minds of Crawford County and Van Buren officials.

Said Mayor Bob Freeman: “Any time someone gets in a violent nature after an emotional situation, and you have innocent people here conducting their business, it has the potential to inadvertently involve them. It’s something we wish we didn’t have to do, but unfortunately, it’s a reflection of our society and it’s necessary for the security of the folks here and the general public. Our priority has always been to provide safety and security for our citizens, and we will continue to make it a priority.”

District Court Judge Steven Peer asked for the measures after the court there began hearing divorce and child-custody cases.

Courtrooms are places of emotional turmoil. Matters of innocence and guilt, of truth and fabrication, of marriage, child custody and economic fortune can lead to resentment or rage. As we’ve stated before, the justice system is fundamental to our society, and it cannot function as it should without security. We applaud the city of Van Buren for emphasizing safety at the municipal complex.